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SEC. 323. EDUCATION FOR HOMELESS CHILDREN AND YOUTH.

``Subtitle B--Education for Homeless Children and Youth

``SEC. 721. STATEMENT OF POLICY.

``It is the policy of the Congress that--

``(1) each State educational agency shall ensure that each child of a homeless individual and each homeless youth has equal access to the same free, appropriate public education, including a public preschool education, as provided to other children and youth;

``(2) in any State that has a compulsory residency requirement as a component of the State's compulsory school attendance laws or other laws, regulations, practices, or policies that may act as a barrier to the enrollment, attendance, or success in school of homeless children and youth, the State will review and undertake steps to revise such laws, regulations, practices, or policies to ensure that homeless children and youth are afforded the same free, appropriate public education as provided to other children and youth;

``(3) homelessness alone should not be sufficient reason to separate students from the mainstream school environment; and

``(4) homeless children and youth should have access to the education and other services that such children and youth need to ensure that such children and youth have an opportunity to meet the same challenging State student performance standards to which all students are held.

``SEC. 722. GRANTS FOR STATE AND LOCAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE EDUCATION OF HOMELESS CHILDREN AND YOUTH.

``(a) General Authority.--The Secretary is authorized to make grants to States in accordance with the provisions of this section to enable such States to carry out the activities described in subsections (d), (e), (f), and (g).

``(b) Application.--No State may receive a grant under this section unless the State educational agency submits an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and containing or accompanied by such information as the Secretary may reasonably require.

``(c) Allocation and Reservations.--

``(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2) and section 724(c), from the amounts appropriated for each fiscal year under section 726, the Secretary is authorized to allot to each State an amount that bears the same ratio to the amount appropriated for such year under section 726 as the amount allocated under section 1122 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to the State for that year bears to the total amount allocated under section 1122 to all States for that year, except that no State shall receive less than $100,000.

``(2) Reservation.--

``(A) The Secretary is authorized to reserve 0.1 percent of the amount appropriated for each fiscal year under section 726 to be allocated by the Secretary among the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and Palau (until the effective date of the Compact of Free Association with the Government of Palau), according to their respective need for assistance under this subtitle, as determined by the Secretary.

``(B)(i) The Secretary is authorized to transfer one percent of the amount appropriated for each fiscal year under section 726 to the Department of the Interior for programs for Indian students served by schools funded by the Secretary of the Interior, as determined under the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act, that are consistent with the purposes of this Act.

``(ii) The Secretary and the Secretary of the Interior shall enter into an agreement, consistent with the requirements of this part, for the distribution and use of the funds described in clause (i) under terms that the Secretary determines best meet the purposes of the programs described in such clause. Such agreement shall set forth the plans of the Secretary of the Interior for the use of the amounts transferred, including appropriate goals, objectives, and milestones.

``(3) Definition.--As used in this subsection, the term `State' shall not include the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, or Palau.

``(d) Activities.--Grants under this section shall be used--

``(1) to carry out the policies set forth in section 721 in the State;

``(2) to provide activities for, and services to, homeless children, including preschool-aged children, and homeless youth that enable such children and youth to enroll in, attend, and succeed in school, or, if appropriate, in preschool programs;

``(3) to establish or designate an Office of Coordinator of Education of Homeless Children and Youth in the State educational agency in accordance with subsection (f);

``(4) to prepare and carry out the State plan described in subsection (g); and

``(5) to develop and implement professional development programs for school personnel to heighten their awareness of, and capacity to respond to, specific problems in the education of homeless children and youth.

``(e) State and Local Grants.--

``(1) In general.--

``(A) Subject to subparagraph (B), if the amount allotted to the State educational agency for any fiscal year under this subtitle exceeds the amount such agency received for fiscal year 1990 under this subtitle, such agency shall provide grants tolocal educational agencies for purposes of section 723.

``(B) The State educational agency may reserve not more than the greater of 5 percent of the amount such agency receives under this subtitle for any fiscal year, or the amount such agency received under this subtitle for fiscal year 1990, to conduct activities under subsection (f) directly or through grants or contracts.

``(2) Special rule.--If the amount allotted to a State educational agency for any fiscal year under this subtitle is less than the amount such agency received for fiscal year 1990 under this subtitle, such agency, at such agency's discretion, may provide grants to local educational agencies in accordance with section 723 or may conduct activities under subsection (f) directly or through grants or contracts.

``(f) Functions of the Office of Coordinator.--The Coordinator of Education of Homeless Children and Youth established in each State shall--

``(1) estimate the number of homeless children and youth in the State and the number of such children and youth served with assistance provided under the grants or contracts under this subtitle;

``(2) gather, to the extent possible, reliable, valid, and comprehensive information on the nature and extent of the problems homeless children and youth have in gaining access to public preschool programs and to public elementary and secondary schools, the difficulties in identifying the special needs of such children and youth, any progress made by the State educational agency and local educational agencies in the State in addressing such problems and difficulties, and the success of the program under this subtitle in allowing homeless children and youth to enroll in, attend, and succeed in, school;

``(3) develop and carry out the State plan described in subsection (g);

``(4) prepare and submit to the Secretary not later than October 1, 1997, and on October 1 of every third year thereafter, a report on the information gathered pursuant to paragraphs (1) and (2) and such additional information as the Secretary may require to carry out the Secretary's responsibilities under this subtitle;

``(5) facilitate coordination between the State educational agency, the State social services agency, and other agencies providing services to homeless children and youth, including homeless children and youth who are preschool age, and families of such children and youth; and

``(6) develop relationships and coordinate with other relevant education, child development, or preschool programs and providers of services to homeless children, homeless families, and runaway and homeless youth (including domestic violence agencies, shelter operators, transitional housing facilities, runaway and homeless youth centers, and transitional living programs for homeless youth), to improve the provision of comprehensive services to homeless children and youth and their families.

``(g) State Plan.--

``(1) In general.--Each State shall submit to the Secretary a plan to provide for the education of homeless children and youth within the State, which plan shall describe how such children and youth are or will be given the opportunity to meet the same challenging State student performance standards all students are expected to meet, shall describe the procedures the State educational agency will use to identify such children and youth in the State and to assess their special needs, and shall--

``(A) describe procedures for the prompt resolution of disputes regarding the educational placement of homeless children and youth;

``(B) describe programs for school personnel (including principals, attendance officers, teachers and enrollment personnel), to heighten the awareness of such personnel of the specific needs of runaway and homeless youth;

``(C) describe procedures that ensure that homeless children and youth who meet the relevant eligibility criteria are able to participate in Federal, State, or local food programs;

``(D) describe procedures that ensure that--

``(i) homeless children have equal access to the same public preschool programs, administered by the State agency, as provided to other children; and

``(ii) homeless children and youth who meet the relevant eligibility criteria are able to participate in Federal, State, or local before- and after-school care programs;

``(E) address problems set forth in the report provided to the Secretary under subsection (f)(4);

``(F) address other problems with respect to the education of homeless children and youth, including problems caused by--

``(i) transportation issues; and

``(ii) enrollment delays that are caused by--

``(I) immunization requirements;

``(II) residency requirements;

``(III) lack of birth certificates, school records, or other documentation; or

``(IV) guardianship issues;

``(G) demonstrate that the State educational agency and local educational agencies in the State have developed, and will review and revise, policies to remove barriers to the enrollment and retention of homeless children and youth in schools in the State; and

``(H) contain an assurance that the State educational agency and local educational agencies in the State will adopt policies and practices to ensure that homeless children and youth are not isolated or stigmatized.

``(2) Compliance.--Each plan adopted under this subsection shall also show how the State will ensure that local educational agencies in the State will comply with the requirements of paragraphs (3) through (9).

``(3) Local educational agency requirements.--

``(A) The local educational agency of each homeless child and youth to be assisted under this subtitle shall, according to the child's or youth's best interest, either--

``(i) continue the child's or youth's education in the school of origin--

``(I) for the remainder of the academic year; or

``(II) in any case in which a family becomes homeless between academic years, for the following academic year; or

``(ii) enroll the child or youth in any school that nonhomeless students who live in the attendance area in which the child or youth is actually living are eligible to attend.

``(B) In determining the best interests of the child or youth under subparagraph (A), the local educational agency shall comply, to the extent feasible, with the request made by a parent or guardian regarding school selection.

``(C) For purposes of this paragraph, the term `school of origin' means the school that the child or youth attended when permanently housed, or the school in which the child or youth was last enrolled.

``(D) The choice regarding placement shall be made regardless of whether the child or youth lives with the homeless parents or has been temporarily placed elsewhere by the parents.

``(4) Comparable services.--Each homeless child or youth to be assisted under this subtitle shall be provided services comparable to services offered to other students in the school selected according to the provisions of paragraph (3), including--

``(A) transportation services;

``(B) educational services for which the child or youth meets the eligibility criteria, such as services provided under title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 or similar State or local programs, educational programs for children with disabilities, and educational programs for students with limited-English proficiency;

``(C) programs in vocational education;

``(D) programs for gifted and talented students; and

``(E) school meals programs.

``(5) Records.--Any record ordinarily kept by the school, including immunization records, academic records, birth certificates, guardianship records, and evaluations for special services or programs, of each homeless child or youth shall be maintained--

``(A) so that the records are available, in a timely fashion, when a child or youth enters a new school district; and

``(B) in a manner consistent with section 444 of the General Education Provisions Act.

``(6) Coordination.--Each local educational agency serving homeless children and youth that receives assistance under this subtitle shall coordinate with local social services agencies and other agencies or programs providing services to such children or youth and their families, including services and programs funded under the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act.

``(7) Liaison.--

``(A) Each local educational agency that receives assistance under this subtitle shall designate a homelessness liaison to ensure that--

``(i) homeless children and youth enroll and succeed in the schools of that agency; and

``(ii) homeless families, children, and youth receive educational services for which such families, children, and youth are eligible, including Head Start and Even Start programs and preschool programs administered by the local educational agency, and referrals to health care services, dental services, mental health services, and other appropriate services.

``(B) State coordinators and local educational agencies shall inform school personnel, service providers, and advocates working with homeless families of the duties of the liaisons.

``(8) Review and revisions.--Each State educational agency and local educational agency that receives assistance under this subtitle shall review and revise any policies that may act as barriers to the enrollment of homeless children and youth in schools selected in accordance with paragraph (3). In reviewing and revising such policies, consideration shall be given to issues concerning transportation, immunization, residency, birth certificates, school records, and other documentation, and guardianship. Special attention shall be given to ensuring the enrollment and attendance of homeless children and youth who are not currently attending school.

``(9) Coordination.--Where applicable, each State and local educational agency that receives assistance under this subtitle shall coordinate with State and local housing agencies responsible for developing the comprehensive housing affordability strategy described in section 105 of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act to minimize educational disruption for children who become homeless.

``SEC. 723. LOCAL EDUCATIONAL AGENCY GRANTS FOR THE EDUCATION OF HOMELESS CHILDREN AND YOUTH.

``(a) General Authority.--

``(1) In general.--The State educational agency shall, in accordance with section 722(e) and from amounts made available to such agency under section 726, make grants to local educational agencies for the purpose of facilitating the enrollment, attendance, and success in school of homeless children and youth.

``(2) Services.--Unless otherwise specified, services under paragraph (1) may be provided through programs on school grounds or at other facilities. Where such services are provided through programs to homeless students on school grounds, schools may provide services to other children and youth who are determined by the local educational agency to be at risk of failing in, or dropping out of, schools, in the same setting or classroom. To the maximum extent practicable, such services shall be provided through existing programs and mechanisms that integrate homeless individuals with nonhomeless individuals.

``(3) Requirement.--Services provided under this section shall not replace the regular academic program and shall be designed to expand upon or improve services provided as part of the school's regular academic program.

``(b) Application.--A local educational agency that desires to receive a grant under this section shall submit an application to the State educational agency at such time, in such manner, and containing or accompanied by such information as the State educational agency may reasonably require according to guidelines issued by the Secretary. Each such application shall include--

``(1) a description of the services and programs for which assistance is sought and the problems to be addressed through the provision of such services and programs;

``(2) an assurance that the local educational agency's combined fiscal effort per student or the aggregate expenditures of that agency and the State with respect to the provision of free public education by such agency for the fiscal year preceding the fiscal year for which the determination is made was not less than 90 percent of such combined fiscal effort or aggregate expenditures for the second fiscal year preceding the fiscal year for which the determination is made;

``(3) an assurance that the applicant complies with, or will use requested funds to come into compliance with, paragraphs (3) through (9) of section 722(g); and

``(4) a description of policies and procedures that the agency will implement to ensure that activities carried out by the agency will not isolate or stigmatize homeless children and youth.

``(c) Awards.--

``(1) In general.--The State educational agency shall, in accordance with section 722(g) and from amounts made available to such agency under section 726, award grants under this section to local educational agencies submitting an application under subsection (b) on the basis of the need of such agencies.

``(2) Need.--In determining need under paragraph (1), the State educational agency may consider the number of homeless children and youth enrolled in preschool, elementary, and secondary schools within the area served by the agency, and shall consider the needs of such children and youth and the ability of the agency to meet such needs. Such agency may also consider--

``(A) the extent to which the proposed use of funds would facilitate the enrollment, retention, and educational success of homeless children and youth;

``(B) the extent to which the application reflects coordination with other local and State agencies that serve homeless children and youth, as well as the State plan required by section 722(g);

``(C) the extent to which the applicant exhibits in the application and in current practice a commitment to education for all homeless children and youth; and

``(D) such other criteria as the agency determines appropriate.

``(3) Duration of grants.--Grants awarded under this section shall be for terms not to exceed three years.

``(d) Authorized Activities.--A local educational agency may use funds awarded under this section for activities to carry out the purpose of this subtitle, including--

``(1) the provision of tutoring, supplemental instruction, and enriched educational services that are linked to the achievement of the same challenging State content standards and challenging State student performance standards the State establishes for other children or youth;

``(2) the provision of expedited evaluations of the strengths and needs of homeless children and youth, including needs and eligibility for programs and services (such as educational programs for gifted and talented students, children with disabilities, and students with limited-English proficiency, services provided under title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 or similar State or local programs, programs in vocational education, and school meals programs);

``(3) professional development and other activities for educators and pupil services personnel that are designed to heighten the understanding and sensitivity of such personnel to the needs of homeless children and youth, the rights of such children and youth under this Act, and the specific educational needs of runaway and homeless youth;

``(4) the provision of referral services to homeless children and youth for medical, dental, mental, and other health services;

``(5) the provision of assistance to defray the excess cost of transportation for students pursuant to section 722(g)(4), not otherwise provided through Federal, State, or local funding, where necessary to enable students to attend the school selected under section 722(g)(3);

``(6) the provision of developmentally appropriate early childhood education programs, not otherwise provided through Federal, State, or local funding, for preschool-aged children;

``(7) the provision of before- and after-school, mentoring, and summer programs for homeless children and youth in which a teacher or other qualified individual provides tutoring, homework assistance, and supervision of educational activities;

``(8) where necessary, the payment of fees and other costs associated with tracking, obtaining, and transferring records necessary to enroll homeless children and youth in school, including birth certificates, immunization records, academic records, guardianship records, and evaluations for special programs or services;

``(9) the provision of education and training to the parents of homeless children and youth about the rights of, and resources available to, such children and youth;

``(10) the development of coordination between schools and agencies providing services to homeless children and youth, including programs funded under the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act;

``(11) the provision of pupil services (including violence prevention counseling) and referrals for such services;

``(12) activities to address the particular needs of homeless children and youth that may arise from domestic violence;

``(13) the adaptation of space and purchase of supplies for nonschool facilities made available under subsection (a)(2) to provide services under this subsection;

``(14) the provision of school supplies, including those supplies to be distributed at shelters or temporary housing facilities, or other appropriate locations; and

``(15) the provision of other extraordinary or emergency assistance needed to enable homeless children and youth to attend school.

``SEC. 724. SECRETARIAL RESPONSIBILITIES.

``(a) Review of Plans.--In reviewing the State plans submitted by the State educational agencies under section 722(g), the Secretary shall use a peer review process and shall evaluate whether State laws, policies, and practices described in such plans adequately address the problems of homeless children and youth relating to access to education and placement as described in such plans.

``(b) Technical Assistance.--The Secretary shall provide support and technical assistance to the State educational agencies to assist such agencies to carry out their responsibilities under this subtitle.

``(c) Evaluation and Dissemination.--The Secretary shall conduct evaluation and dissemination activities of programs designed to meet the educational needs of homeless elementary and secondary school students, and may use funds appropriated under section 726 to conduct such activities.

``(d) Submission and Distribution.--The Secretary shall require applications for grants under this subtitle to be submitted to the Secretary not later than the expiration of the 60-day period beginning on the date that funds are available for purposes of making such grants and shall make such grants not later than the expiration of the 120-day period beginning on such date.

``(e) Determination by Secretary.--The Secretary, based on the information received from the States and information gathered by the Secretary under subsection (d), shall determine the extent to which State educational agencies are ensuring that each homeless child and homeless youth has access to a free appropriate public education as described in section 721(1).

``(f) Reports.--The Secretary shall prepare and submit a report to the Committee on Education and Labor of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Labor and Human Resources of the Senate on the programs and activities authorized by this subtitle by December 31, 1997, and every third year thereafter.

``SEC. 725. DEFINITIONS.

``For the purpose of this subtitle, unless otherwise stated--

``(1) the term `Secretary' means the Secretary of Education; and

``(2) the term `State' means each of the 50 States, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.